Great Migration

Definition

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of approximately six million African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban centers in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This migration was driven by factors such as the search for better economic opportunities, escaping racial discrimination, and the impacts of World War I and II, which shifted labor demands and led to significant demographic changes in American cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Migration is often divided into two waves: the first wave from 1916 to 1940 and the second wave from 1941 to 1970, with each wave motivated by different social and economic factors.
2. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia saw significant increases in their African American populations due to the Great Migration, reshaping urban demographics and cultures.
3. The migration resulted in the establishment of vibrant African American communities in Northern cities, which became centers for cultural expression, political activism, and economic development.
4. During World War I and World War II, labor shortages in factories led to increased recruitment of African Americans from the South, further accelerating the migration process.
5. The Great Migration had lasting effects on American society, contributing to changes in race relations, urbanization trends, and the emergence of influential cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance.

Review Questions

• How did Jim Crow laws contribute to the Great Migration and what were some of their effects on African Americans in the South?
  • Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans in the South, creating a hostile environment that pushed many to seek better lives elsewhere. These laws restricted access to quality education, employment opportunities, and basic civil rights. As a result, many African Americans fled to Northern cities during the Great Migration in search of economic opportunities and greater social freedom.
• Analyze how World War I impacted the Great Migration and changed labor dynamics in Northern cities.
  • World War I created significant labor shortages in Northern factories as many men were drafted into military service. This led to an increased demand for workers, which prompted employers to actively recruit African Americans from the South. As they migrated North for these job opportunities, they not only filled essential roles but also transformed urban landscapes and contributed to a shift in societal dynamics around race and labor.
• Evaluate the cultural impact of the Great Migration on American society during the early 20th century.
  • The Great Migration had profound cultural implications for American society by giving rise to vibrant African American communities that fostered unique cultural expressions such as music, art, and literature. The Harlem Renaissance is one notable outcome that showcased this newfound creativity and pride. This migration challenged prevailing racial stereotypes and contributed to a broader national conversation about race relations and civil rights that would influence future generations.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, contributing to the push factors for African Americans to leave the South during the Great Migration.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, which was significantly influenced by the Great Migration as African Americans sought new cultural expression in urban environments.

War Industries Board:

A U.S. government agency established during World War I to coordinate the production of war materials, which created a surge in job opportunities that attracted many African Americans from the South.